How Is the Frog's Tongue Attached?

A frog's tongue is attached at the front of the mouth, which allows the frog to stick its tongue out to longer lengths. This positioning of the tongue is called a lingual flip.

When a frog opens its mouth, powerful muscle contractions force its tongue out. Upon contact with prey, the muscles contract again, pulling the tongue back. The whole process takes less than a second. Sticky frog saliva enables the tongue to maintain its hold on prey. Frogs do not chew their meal, but swallow it whole. Muscles in the eye help the frog swallow. Small teeth are used to hold the prey in position until it can be consumed.